5/9/13

Getting your grocery list ready for Sunday? If you want to be the favorite child, make this for Mom. It takes about 20-30 minutes to throw together and will make you look like a pro in the kitchen. Not that you need help in that area.
I made this appetizer a few weeks ago with Cape Cod Chopped Salad, Lobster Shells and some Baked Lemon Chicken. It's a delicious, simple and beautiful meal fit for a queen, or in this case, your Mother.

3/17/13

Brookie called me a couple of weeks ago and told me she made the most wonderful salad for dinner. I knew the boys would not be thrilled about a spinach, warm pear and asparagus salad, so I threw it together one night when it was just me and the doggie at home. Since Jack is not generally interested in greens, I was able to have the entire salad to myself.
Oh my goodness.
So simple. So delicious. Sweet, savory. You know how I feel about that combo.
Incredible.
You have to try this.

In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the vinaigrette and set aside.
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pear wedges and cook for a minute over medium heat (turn wedges over once). Using tongs, move the pears to one side of pan. Add asparagus to pan and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add nuts and cook for another minute until the asparagus is just tender and pear is softened and browned on the edges. Remove from heat and place on top of spinach on serving platter or individual salad plates. If you would like the nuts to be sweetened, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the walnuts or pecans.
Crumble cheese on top if using. Drizzle a small amount of dressing on top of each salad.

Serve warm.
Serves about 4-6

Tips:
-Prepare all of the ingredients before starting to cook. This recipe comes together quickly and it is best to have everything ready so the salad may be served warm.
- Depending on the firmness of the pears and asparagus, cooking time may vary. You may need to turn the heat up a bit to medium-high heat to get the pear to caramelize.
-I left the cheese off and loved this salad. I think goat cheese would be best and add a little creamy tang to the salad.
-Adding sugar to the nuts is optional- I added about a teaspoon at the end of cooking.
-This salad took me less than 15 minutes to make.
-This salad is best served warm, but is also good served at room temperature.

8/20/12

Guess what this week is? A Bountiful Kitchen's four year blogiversary. Whoohoo.
Time to celebrate! What says celebration better than cake, ice cream and presents?
Let's have a little giveaway. How about a couple of cookbooks -one from me, one from Tilly (mook) and gift certificates for ice cream and yogurt, also from our favorite, Tillamook! Here's the deal...

Two cookbooks:

This one's from me.

Guess who donated this one?

Three of these, any flavor...

Twelve of these, any flavor and variety (light, regular)

The recipe- I made this yummy Strawberry cake a few weeks ago, by request for a family wedding celebration. It's really simple, and uses fresh strawberries in the cake and the frosting. Great for a summer celebration or a girl birthday. Or a Blogiversary ;)

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, flour and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, water and vanilla; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in chopped strawberries. Gradually add powdered sugar and dash of salt, beating until smooth. Thin with milk or cream if needed.

Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.

Tips:

-This recipe was tweaked according to several suggestions by reviewers on the Food Network site.

-*I used a Betty Crocker Cake mix. The suggested cake mix weight in the original recipe is 18.25 oz. However, I found only generic (store) brands in this size of cake mix. I opted to use a popular name brand instead. I also used Jello brand gelatin.

8/9/12

Last week, my nephew Brandon, and his bride Ashley celebrated their new life together. We hosted a wedding shower and served: Yogurt with fresh fruit andPeanut Butter and Cashew Granola; Veggie Tea Sandwiches; Turkey, Irish Cheese and Apples on Pita Triangles with Cranberry Mayo; Quinoa Salad;Limeade Slush and for dessert- Southern Lady Brownies.
Sheri gave me this recipe years ago, when she married Scott. Someone brought them to a dinner before their wedding. I loved the way they looked, kind of like a brownie Petit Four. I'm not sure what the original name was? But after enjoying them in the South, I named them Southern Lady Brownies. They are perfect for a ladies luncheon,when you want to serve something special and a little on the dainty side.
Congratulations Brandon and Ashley! Love you.

This is the "trim around edges to make even" step. I bagged all of the trimmings and placed into the bag above, they lasted till about 9 the same evening. Grant and Jake used them to make hot fudge brownie sundaes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place rack in center of oven.
Using a double boiler or very low heat on stovetop, melt the butter and chocolate together in a saucepan. Mix with whisk. Remove from heat and let cool.
Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add sugar and vanilla and mix until all ingredients are combined. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Mix again until all ingredients are combined.
Pour the flour, soda and salt into the bowl with the other ingredients and mix just until wet and dry ingredients are combined.
Line a 9x13 pan with foil, and spray the foil with non stick cooking spray. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cook just until brownies are done, and a toothpick inserted in center of pan comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Remove from oven. Use a spatula and press the edges of the brownies down while still warm.
Lifting foil, remove brownies out of pan when cooled. Use a knife or spatula and trim around edges of brownies to make even.
Cut into about 30 small pieces.
Prepare Frosting.

Soften the butter for 30 seconds in the microwave. Add the melted chocolate and mix. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time and beat until smooth. Add milk or cream and salt until the frosting is desired consistency. If you want the icing to cover the brownie and drip down the sides of the brownie, thin the icing with additional milk (about 2 additional tablespoons).
Spoons the icing onto each brownie. Top immediately with pecan half.

Tips:
- I altered the original recipe so the brownies would be a bit thicker and slightly more cake like. The original recipe also called for a beaten egg in the icing, which I omitted and added a bit of milk instead achieve a spreading consistency.
-Use an electric beater to make the icing, it will help eliminate any lumps in the icing, and give a smooth, silky consistency.

5/2/11

When we stayed at River's Run last fall, Miss Lisa served up these delicious appetizers before dinner one evening. My boys (including Grant) usually steer clear of anything involving a red pepper. They loved this dish. I made these last week and loved the soft red pepper, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pine nuts and sweet, soft golden raisins. One of the best appetizers I have ever eaten.

This would make a perfect appetizer for Mom on Sunday. To start Mother's Day/Cinco de Mayo week off right, we're having a little giveaway. Ina Garten's cookbook " How Easy is That?", a $25 gift certificate to Mrs. Cavanaugh'schocolates (wonderful chocolates, local to Utah, but you can use the certificate as mail order), and some darling cloth napkins from "Stack'd, by SisterMade" .

Leave a comment about what you love about your mom, or being a mom. As always, followers get two entries. I'll announce the winner on Wednesday. One winner, three gifts. Keep them for yourself, or share with mom!

Roast the peppers using either a barbecue grill, gas cook top or broiler in your oven. Complete tutorials here.

Position a rack in the upper third of oven and preheat to 475 degrees.
Place the peppers peeled side down on a cutting board and slightly flatten. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Spread with about a tablespoon of goat cheese down the center of each pepper strip. Scatter the cut basil, pine nuts, and golden raisins on top of each pepper. Fold each pepper over to create a package (like a canoe on its side). Press down gently to flatten slightly
Place the peppers on a baking sheet (I prepared the peppers directly on the baking sheet). Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and drizzle with a little olive oil over each one. Sprinkle with cayenne.
Bake for about 10 minutes, until breadcrumbs turn golden and the goat cheese is bubbly.
Using a spatula, arrange the peppers on a small plate and tear the remaining basil leaves over for garnish. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired.

Tips:
-I didn't fold the red peppers over after topping. They were a little difficult to eat unless you have a plate and fork. If you want to make this into a "finger food" place each cooked pepper onto a toasted baguette and serve as bruschetta.
-This is an easy make-ahead appetizer. Completely prepare, leave on baking sheet. Before serving, place under broiler for 1 minute, to warm up.

4/25/11

Cupcakes. They're everywhere. I kind of thought they were on the way out, but every time I turn around, it seems like a new cupcake shop pops up. Last week my friend Karen taught a fun class on cupcake making. She had several types of cupcakes available to try. This one was my favorite. A few days later, my friend Melanie made these for a wedding shower we were having. I ended up with a few extra at my house. I could not stop eating them. Here's the crazy convo in my head the morning after the shower:
I'll have one for breakfast, cause they are just like muffins. At least they kind of look like muffins. Well, since they are so small, (about 1/2 the size of a regular cupcake) I can eat two, and it will be like one. OK, three. In reality, it's only like one and one half. Shoot. There's only one left. I'll just treat this like Halloween candy and get it over with. Now.
It was the Maple Brown Butter Icing that hooked me. You have to try these.

4/2/11

One of my favorite things to eat this time of year is chicken salad. For some odd reason, I never make it in the fall or winter. It makes me think SPRING is on the way!! Maybe it's tied to baby chicks. Wobbling around on their little spindly legs. Saying, "hey wait for me to grow up, and then you'll be able to make me into chicken salad!!: Now, you are for sure going Vegan on me.
Chicken salad: Love it on a slice of bread. Or a piece of lettuce. Or a croissant. Or just by itself, right out of the bowl in the fridge.
This is a dish I've been making forever. Without a recipe. It changes a little every time. The basics ingredients are always the same: chicken, mayo, celery, and the last necessity-fruit. Love it with pineapple, or grapes, or apples. Anything sweet. If I can't get any of those, craisins will do. Just a little sweet to go with the savory. You know how much I love my fruit and meat/poultry together. I know there are peeps who hate fruit, nuts, spices, etc. in their chicken salad. I'm not sure we can be friends...

Core the apple and chop into cubes, leaving the skin on. Place chopped apple in small bowl with cold water and lemon juice, set aside.
Place chopped chicken and celery in bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the mayo, dill and nuts if desired. Drain apples well and add to chicken mixture.
Serve on top of a big beautiful piece of leaf lettuce, or on bread of your choice.
Keeps for about 3 days in fridge.

Tips: (sit down, this is longer than the recipe)

-Best tip for fab chicken salad - Use good mayonnaise. Not store brand, not- low or no fat. Don't go there. I use Best Foods or Hellman's. Or if you are an over-achiever, make your own.
-If you are using an apple for a filling in a salad, make sure the apple is cold, or at least room temperature before slicing. If the fruit is warm, the fruit will brown much faster.
-* You may sub a handful of seedless grapes (I like red for color) cut the in half if they are really big grapes, a chopped (skinned) mango, a half can of pineapple tidbits, (drained well -for at least 30 minutes), the possibilities are endless. Try to choose fruit without a lot of water content, and fruit that is firm. Raspberries- not be a good choice. They break up too easily in the salad. Sliced strawberries are ok, as long as they are not too juicy, if so they will turn the mayo pink. When using fruit in this salad, after washing,and draining place the fruit on a paper towel on the counter before adding to the salad to make sure the excess water is drained off. You don't need to do this with apples. Just chop, soak in lemon juice and drain for a couple of minutes.
-*In the summer when dill is plentiful, use fresh dill, and increase the amount to about 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill.
-I also really like a bit of curry in my chicken salad. Instead of the dill, use about 1/2 teaspoon of curry, add another 1/2 teaspoon after tasting, if you like a stronger curry flavor.
-Oh, last thing. If you are making this for a quaint little ladies luncheon, and don't want the black pepper flakes to get stuck in your teeth, or you just aren't pleased with the look of pepper on your otherwise Celestial looking salad, buy some white pepper, sold in the spice section of your grocery, and use that instead.

9/8/10

Fall is in the air and I love it. Fall=more baking and cooking. Love that.

This Foccacia is a delish side for a salad or main dish. You can top it with as little or much as you want. I had a can of artichokes in my pantry and some fresh tomatoes sitting on my counter. Add a few fresh herbs, a wedge of Parmesan and a little leftover Asiago sitting in the fridge. The possibilities are endless. This was yummy hot out of the oven, and equally good at room temp. Ridicu-licious. Just heard that word on a commercial. Not to be confused with my friend KD's fave word - ridonkulous.

Come back this weekend for a gift certificate giveaway from the nice peeps at CSN online stores (who sell everything from bistro sets to ice cream makers) and another fab cookbook from yours truly.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook, proof the yeast by combining it with the warm water and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve. Let stand 3 minutes until foam appears. Turn mixer on low and slowly add 3 cups flour to the bowl. Dissolve salt in 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the mixture. Pour in 1/4 cup olive oil. When the dough starts to come together, increase the speed to medium. Stop the machine periodically to scrape the dough off the hook. Mix until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary.

Turn the dough out onto a work surface and fold over itself a few times. Form the dough into a round and place in an oiled bowl, turn to coat the entire ball with oil so it doesn't form a skin. Cover with plastic wrap or damp towel and let rise over a gas pilot light on the stove top or other warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Coat a 18 x 12 sheet pan with a little olive oil and corn meal. Once the dough is doubled and domed, turn it out onto the counter. Roll and stretch the dough out to an oblong shape about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Lay the flattened dough on the pan and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. While preheating, lightly coat a pan with cooking spray or Olive oil and lay sliced tomatoes on pan. Place in oven and bake until tomatoes shrivel and lose shape, about 15 minutes. Remove tomatoes from oven and let cool. Reduce oven temperature to 425.

In the meantime, coat a small saute pan with olive oil, add the onion, and cook over low heat for 15 minutes until the onions caramelize. Uncover the dough and dimple with fingertips. Brush the surface with more olive oil and then add caramelized onions, garlic, artichokes, oven roasted tomatoes, cheeses, salt, pepper, and herbs. Bake on the bottom rack for 15 to 20 minutes. If top is not browned enough, transfer to upper part of oven for another 5 minutes.

Remove from oven, let cool slightly, slice and serve.

Tips:

-I used a 14 oz. can of artichoke hearts, Reeses brand. Mine were not marinated, but marinated would work too.

-You may use any topping you love: fresh spinach, any cheeses, Kalamata Olives...

-I made two, because I knew the kids wouldn't be thrilled about eating artichokes, so a plain cheese foccacia bread for them. The only issue with not using (heavier) items that weighed down the dough was- the bread bubbled when baked. So best to use a few veggie items or pierce the dough before baking.

9/3/10

I still remember the first time I had Gazpacho. I was a senior in high school ( um, yes THIRTY years ago). I was with my friend Victoria, who was a waitress at Ericksen's restaurant. Unless I am imagining this, I believe the whole name of the restaurant was" Ericksen's on the Fiord". Funny that stuck in my mind. It was a mostly brownish restaurant in Poulsbo,WA ... not in the cool, waterfront part of Poulsbo (cute little Scandinavian town), but out on the main highway, before entering into town. I know you care. Anyway. Loved my first taste of Gazpacho then, still love it now.

You've never had Gazpacho? It's a soup, served cold. Best in the late summer, when tomatoes and cuces are in season.

Perfect dish for a warm summer afternoon. Love it with a dollop of sour cream and chopped avocado on top. If you are looking for a way to make a healthy, refreshing dish without too much work, and without turning on the stove or oven...you are going to love this soup.

Combine the tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, salt, vinegar, and pepper in a large (at least 4-quart) nonreactive bowl. Let stand until the vegetables just begin to release their juices, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato juice, hot pepper sauce, if using, and ice cubes. Cover and refrigerate to blend flavors, at least 4 hours and up to 2 days.

Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper and remove and discard any unmelted ice cubes. Serve cold, drizzling each portion with about 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil and topping with the desired garnishes.

Tips:

-Cook's recommends serving in chilled bowls.

-*I used one red pepper, and one yellow zucchini. Love the color of the zucchini. I'm sure a yellow pepper would work nicely in this recipe as well.

Bought these at my fave fruit and veggie stand in Brigham City.

Love this olive oil. Perfect for drizzling a little on before serving...

Boil corn in large pot of water for about 7 minutes. Drain and plunge corn into cool water. Cut corn off cob and set aside to cool completely.

Chunk tomatoes and onion. Coarsely chop basil and strip the oregano off stems. Place cooled corn, chopped vegetable and herbs into large bowl. Toss with vinegar and olive oil. Season to taste. Serve chilled or room temperature

Tips:

-The recipe called for white vinegar, but I love white balsamic (sweeter) vinegar. Apple cider vinegar would also work. I don't recommend regular balsamic vinegar. The dark red color will discolor the onion and corn and the overall look of the salad will change.

7/10/10

My amazing friend Erin (who recently left our neighborhood for Cali, can't even get started on how much we miss her and her fam) , gave this recipe to me last fall. Erin inherited this recipe from her little sis, Misty. I filed it away until this summer because I thought it looked like a great summer salad. Tried this recipe out the other night, when I needed to make a salad for 60. It was a wedding shower, and perfect for the event. First try, I used the spring mix suggested, but I really dislike it when a salad goes limp. Don't you hate that? I like using romaine in salads that are heavy on other filler ingredients. Reason being- I like the green to be substantial enough to support the other ingredients. Salads are like shows. In this salad, the greens are support, and all of the other ingredients are leads. Melinda, my show-a-holic friend, who is turning 48(yikes, you're old!) this week will love this analogy.

Anyway, tonight, I made the salad again, with romaine and spinach. Loved it. The Romaine was firm and crunchy. No problem tossing the dressing with the salad. No limp leaves. Hooray for firm lettuce! I know you think I'm weirdly obsessive about ridiculous things.

For best results- a day before, or at least a few hours before:
Cook couscous according to package directions. Cool completely. Refrigerate.
Wash and dry lettuce, set aside in refrigerator.
Cook corn, rinse with cool water. Cut corn off cob and place in refrigerator to cool completely.
Make dressing by mixing all ingredients in blender or by using a hand immersion blender. Refrigerate.

When ready to serve:
Place cooked couscous in a large bowl. Chop lettuce into bite size pieces. Add lettuce and rest of salad ingredients into bowl. Just before serving, drizzle dressing (I only use about 1/2 ) and toss. You may serve additional remaining dressing on the side.

Tips:

- When I say "large" head of Romaine, I'm not talking about a Costco head of Romaine. Those are Romaine hearts. If you are using Costco Romaine, probably about 4-5 heads will do.

-Misty said this salad was originally served with chopped chicken as a main ingredient. Great for a main dish salad.

-The first time I made this salad, I tried to cook the couscous and cook the corn and let both cool before adding to the salad. It really works best to cook both several hours or the day before and refrigerate. Also best to use really cold lettuce and dressing. I tried both ways, and had the best result when preparing ingredients the day before and then toss the ingredients when all completely chilled.

-*You may use frozen corn. I won't be as delicious, but you won't know the diff if you don't use fresh first. ;)

3/16/10

Loved reading all of your thoughts about Spring! Winner of the "Bliss" cookbook is Leanne, who said:

"My very favorite thing about Spring is the parallel it draws from Winter---Winter allows the rain and snow, for a couple of months, from dark, threatening clouds. Then, as if nothing ever happened, we rise to a perfectly sunny, cloudless day. A lovely, clean slate from the seemingly neverending cold. Forgiveness.It is my favorite time of year."

Beautifully said, Leann!

Spring always steers me in the direction of salad instead of soup. Found this recipe years ago in the cookbook "Favorites". It's another local cookbook, put together by the Ivory family. If you live in our neck of the woods, the Ivory Homes name is familiar. I talked to one of the authors right after she finished this book and she told me it was a compilation of family and friend recipes they had used and grown to love over the years. They originally printed the cookbook for giving to family, and quickly had requests for so many they decided to do a second printing. Ten years later, they are still printing and donating the proceeds to the Make A Wish Foundation. It's available here.

I made this salad last week, much to my son's dismay. Fruit in pasta salad? They hate it.

I love it.

They would, on the other hand, rather eat a frozen (breakfast) burrito (yes, for dinner). Personally, I would rather gnaw my hand off, than eat one of those burritos.

Blend dressing ingredients together in blender or food processor. Mix dressing and cooked pasta in medium bowl and marinate for two hours. Combine rest of salad dressing (except nuts) in large salad bowl, add pasta and dressing and toss gently.

Add nuts just before serving.

Tips:

-I like to marinate the chicken in about 1 cup of teriyaki sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Drain the chicken and discard the sauce. Broil the chicken for about 7-10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before adding to salad.

-"Very Very Teriyaki" is my favorite sauce. If using this brand, reduce the amount of teriyaki sauce to 1/3 cup. Make sure to shake the bottle well before using.

_ I usually skip marinating the pasta after it is cooked, I like the pasta to be lighter in color, and the chicken to have a darker color.

11/6/09

I love this Brie appetizer. It is topped with all things fall. Apples, dried cranberries, golden raisins, candied spiced pecans. A beautiful item for a holiday dinner party. The bread ring is made out of frozen dough, so it's really simple. Note: The bread is suppose to be a garnish.

Have you ever been to a party, where people are eating the garnish?? It's like that scene in "You've Got Mail" where Meg Ryan is annoyed with Tom Hanks for eating the garnish. In that case it was caviar, but it's basically the same. I don't get it. I'm usually a fairly practical person. But eating the decor on the table? Even if it is edible. It just doesn't seem right to me. I am probably the only person on the planet who cares or thinks this is weird (besides Meg). On cruises, it always AMAZES me that people will eat the fruit or vegetables used as a garnish, even though there are seriously enough prepared food items on the serving table to feed two small countries. Don't they know everyone touches the display, and they are used over and over again without being washed?? Anyway. Whether you eat the garnish or not, you will love this yummy dish. A great appetizer for the big holiday coming up in less than 3 weeks...

About 2 hours before baking, thaw dough on counter.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Split the loaf into three equal pieces. Roll dough out into long rope so you end up with three long ropes of dough about 18-24 inches long. Starting at one end, place dough on counter and begin braiding. Press dough together and tuck ends under. Shape with hands so dough is even in width throughout braid. Unwrap the Brie from round paper carton, set aside. Cover the empty carton with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray around sides to prevent dough from sticking to carton. Form the braided dough around the foil covered carton on a foil or parchment covered cookie sheet or pizza pan without sides. Brush the dough lightly with a beaten egg. Let rise for about 20-30 minutes. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool and remove Brie carton.

After the bread ring has cooled for about 10 minutes, unwrap the cheese, and place in center of the bread ring. Prepare the fruit and nut topping.Core and chop the apple. Place in a saucepan with raisins, cider, and ¼ cup sugar. Boil gently until the apples are tender, but not mushy (approx 5 minutes). Strain the liquid from the apples, mix in dried cherries or Craisins, and place on top of Brie. In a separate pan (preferably Teflon) , cook the pecans with ¼ cup sugar and cayenne over medium heat until the sugar caramelizes. Remove from pan, break up the nuts when cooled a bit and sprinkle on top of fruit mixture. Bake the braided bread and Brie with topping for about 10 minutes or until Brie is softened. Take care not to over cook. The Brie melts quickly when overheated. Slide the bread ring filled with Brie onto a serving platter. Serve immediately with baguette slices or crackers.

Tips:

-I like to purchase the Brie at Costco. Usually found with the specialty cheeses.

-Carr brand crackers are my favorite (if I don't serve with a baguette) because they are big and substantial enough to hold the cheese and fruit mixture. "Water Table" crackers or sesame flavors are great because they are simple and won't compete with the flavors in the appetizer.

9/13/09

I was entering some recipes on the index last week, and noticed I was a little heavy on desserts, and sparse on appetizers. Wow! Surprising. Since I could practically live on desserts and appetizers. So, while sitting at a double header (I know it's FOOTBALL season, not thrilled about the fall baseball thing, but trying to be a supportive non-martyr-mother) I flipped through September Bon Appetit, and found several yummy looking recipes. This recipe caught my eye. It originates from the Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore. Flatbread. Love it. Pears and goat cheese - is there a more perfect combo? Add a little spinach, sauteed onion, grainy Dijon and cream. Can you say Chick food?

Combine all ingredients in a bowl of a heavy duty mixer fitted with a dough hook. Beat at low speed until dough forms and comes away from side of bowl, about 2 minutes. Scrape dough off hook. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes. Clean hook and re attach to mixer. Mix dough at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. Cover bowl with plastic again and let rise until light and slightly puffed about 1 hour.

Using floured hands, turn dough out onto floured surface, turning and kneading a few times until dough is no longer sticky. Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Cover and chill for 45 minutes. (I skipped this step)

Topping & Assembly

Cut pear halves vertically into 1/4 inch thick slices. Brush both sides with oil and place on foil lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with a little cayenne. Bake in oven at 350-400 for about 7-10 minutes or just until pears loose their shape. Or- just throw the pears into the oven that is preheating to bake the pizzas for about 5 minutes.

Stretch and roll each dough ball into a 9 inch round . Place on a floured rimless baking sheet or pizza peel. Brush dough with oil, sprinkle with sea salt. Scatter spinach over dough. Drizzle lightly with oil. Top with pear slices, sauteed onion and 1/4 of cheese. Slide flatbread onto hot pizza stone or baking sheet in oven. Bake until crust is golden brown and crisp and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining flatbreads.